AZ Sports & Lifestyle v8.2 2016 Summer

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covering the game of life

from the publisher Hello readers! Welcome to another issue of Arizona Sports & Lifestyle Magazine (AZSAL). We Arizonan’s are very familiar with all the wonderful and majestic destinations that Mother Earth has blessed us with in our great state. To name just a few, the meteor crater, Sedona, the high country and many more. Including the one and only Grand Canyon. Well AZSAL has pulled out all the stops and brings you a 10 page feature showcasing one of our most beautiful lakes, Lake Powell. In our feature, AZSAL’s newest contributor, and extremely talented photographer, has truly captured GODS country. Flip through it and enjoy amazing images, informative information, and get yourself inspired to set out on your very own journey, to soak in our beautiful states destination. Enjoy!

Publisher

Joe Orr Art Direction & Design

Dara Fowler Editor

Curt Blakeney Senior Editor

I.R. Hunthausen, Kory Kilmer Assistant to Publisher:

Elise Wojtkiewicz Senior Copy Editor: Anthony Costello Copy Editor: Grace Miller, Rachel Cutler Photo Editor:

We have also brought you the son of the late great Richard Pryor, Mr. Richard Pryor Junior. He is also making his mark in the entertainment business and we are proud to share his story with you.

Gene Lower, Michael Fadyk

Advertising Design:

Kristin Moore

Production Assistant:

Vince Van Groski

Director of Sales & Marketing:

D-Backs ace, Zack Greinke is finally back on the mound and is ready to finish the season strong. There’s no doubt we need him to command the mound, and to continue his dominance like before he got injured. AZSAL also brings you, good eats, junior golf academy, auto spotlights, and some cool summer movies. Let’s not forget our award winning gear guide. We hope you enjoy this issue. Now keep reading ...

Joe Orr, Publisher joe@azsal.com

Dave Blouch

Contributing Photographers:

T-Boye Doe John McMurray Kristin Moore Trevor Simington

Contributing Writers

Derek Bondie Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford Jonathan Crist Brad Denny Salvador Huxley Kory Kilmer Marina Kirk Byron Kline Courtney Mins Dr. Joseph Rucker Official Transportation for AZSAL Media: Evening Star Limousine 480-251-8684

AZ Sports & Lifestyle Magazine

3915 E. Shomi St. • Phoenix, AZ 85044

480.233.0409 • www.azsal.com To subscribe or advertise

call 480.233.0409 or email Joe@azsal.com Copyright 2015 — AZ Sports & Lifestyle Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited.

Arizona Sports & Lifestyle Magazine is printed on 20% recycled (10% post-consumerwaste) paper. All inks used contain a percentage of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) standards. PRINTED IN THE USA


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table of contents SUMMER 2016

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features 62

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are hoping pitcher Zack Greinke can become the next Randy Johnson for a club starving for an ace … and another World Series appearance

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The $200 Million Man

departments

The Perfect Vacation All I need is the natural beauty of Lake Powell, my paddleboard and my friends

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Youth Movement PGA Junior League Golf Championship comes to Grayhawk Golf Club, in an attempt to make the game more accessible to a younger generation

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Good Times Drone Wars

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Good Eats Boulders on Broadway

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Movies Hot Summer Flicks

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Self & Body Summer Meltdown

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AZSAL Was There

Pryor Knowledge Richard Pryor Jr. talks about the entertainment industry, living in the Big Apple, life lessons and, of course, his famous father

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Gear Guide Tool Shed Wheels 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T 2016 Mazda Miata MX-5


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FAVORITE BREAKFAST STOP: Biscuits Breakfast & Lunch WITH THREE VALLEY LOCATIONS, Biscuits Breakfast & Lunch (BB&L) is earning a reputation with local foodies. Its mantra is simple: “Good old fashioned home cooking … the way it was meant to be.” BB&L’s authentic home cooking starts with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and always hand-crafted dishes that would make mom proud. A Meat Lover’s Plate is a great place to start off any morning. The Portuguese sausage — smoke-cured pork sausage seasoned with garlic and paprika — is delicious, accompanied by a pair of Arizona farm fresh eggs and a choice of Southern grits, golden hash browns or country potatoes with sautéed peppers and onions. It is hands-down one of the best breakfast dishes around. The proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” certainly applies to BB&L. You have to try the namesake dish, the Biscuits & Gravy. This classic dish had my arms flailing with excitement as I savored each bite of flaky, buttery biscuit goodness smothered in homemade sausage gravy. Their breakfasts are so hearty they will keep you satisfied through lunch, which is reason enough to return for dinner. Their award-winning fish and chips boast fresh Icelandic Cod under a light golden breading. It is served with your choice of crispy chips (French fries) or fried okra, as well as coleslaw, tartar sauce and homemade kicky red sauce. The fish is light and tender and practically melts in your mouth … making this classic English dish worth the trip for dinner.

FAVORITE LUNCH STOP: Giant Hamburgers WHEN YOU NAME YOUR PLACE GIANT HAMBURGERS, you are setting the expectations pretty high. But this cozy little diner, owned by Doug Horne, does not disappoint. For over 16 years Doug and his team have been serving up some of the tastiest giant hamburgers around, establishing themselves as a staple for many locals who enjoy good eats in the surrounding area and beyond. Contrary to what their name might suggest, the menu does go beyond just oversized beef patties. Morning classics such as the single, double or triple breakfasts, include a mound of golden hash browns, a wide selection of meat, and toast all washed down with a bottomless cup o’ Joe are enough to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

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After spending 2 years serving his country in Vietnam, Owner Lloyd Melton embarked on a career in radio at 98 KUPD as station manager for nearly 30 years. Since then, this Arizona native has moved on to serving up some of the most authentic home cooking in the Valley, culminating with the opening of Biscuits Breakfast & Lunch in 2010 where he has been recognized with countless awards and recognitions, including one for its Fish & Chips. As they say, “Food always tastes better when served with a smile,” and Melton gives everyone who comes in a reason to smile by serving up great food, serving it fast and keeping it at a great price. Enjoy! BISCUITS BREAKFAST & LUNCH LOCATIONS: 4623 E. Elliot Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85044. 480-209-1850 1235 N. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234. 480-497-0321 1815 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284. 480-777-7070 HOURS MAY VARY BY LOCATION

By the time lunch rolls around, however, it’s all about their mouthwatering namesake. But what makes these mammoth burgers so delicious? The secret might just be in their simplicity, Horne says, as he is proud to provide his loyal patrons “simple fresh beef, the way it oughta be.” Want to learn more? Well then, we will see you over there sometime. Horne and his staff will be waiting with smiles. And you know what they say: “Food always taste best when served with a smile!” Enjoy! GIANT HAMBURGERS 2753 E. Broadway #104, Mesa AZ SW corner of Lindsey and Broadway, in the Fry’s Plaza 480-733-6542


CURRIED TUNA WRAPS Ingredients: • 3 (5 oz.) Cans of Safe Catch tuna • 2 tbsp Dried currants • ½ tsp Lemon zest • 2 tsp Mild curry powder • ¼ cup Low-fat Greek yogurt • Dash of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper • Romaine or butter lettuce • 4 Whole-wheat pitas • Optional: ¼ Cup slivered almonds, toasted

Preparation: In a bowl, combine tuna, shallots, currants, dill, celery, lemon, curry powder and yogurt. Break up any large chunks of tuna and slivered almonds (optional). Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Starting with lettuce, gently tuck into pita pocket, followed by 1/4 of tuna mixture, or skip the bread product all together. Makes four servings. — Recipe courtesy of Safe Catch Tuna (www.safecatch.com)

MARKHAM NAMED 2017 WMPO TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN THE THUNDERBIRDS HAVE NAMED ANDY MARKHAM the Tournament Chairman for the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open and Carlos Sugich the Assistant Tournament Chairman. The 2017 edition of “The Greatest Show on Grass” will be played January 30 through February 5, 2017, at TPC Scottsdale. Markham will lead the Thunderbirds in the planning and execution of every facet of the 2017 tournament, including meeting with current and potential sponsors, recruiting PGA TOUR players to the event and developing new on-course venues. “Our goal this year is to not only continue the tremendous success of the tournament, but also to find new and intriguing ways to make it better,” Markham said. “We have to be constantly aware of new trends and technologies in order to grow our event and raise the bar for community involvement. We’ve got some great new things we are working on for 2017 and can’t wait to unveil them to the public.” Markham, a graduate of the University of Arizona, is Executive Managing Director for Cushman & Wakefield a globalleading commercial real estate firm. He has more than 18 years of experience in commercial real estate, specializing in the acquisition, disposition and leasing of industrial real estate in Arizona. His team’s success has earned them “Top Producing” honors since 2000 and they have been recognized four times by NAIOP as Industrial Brokers of the Year in Arizona. Markham earned the SIOR designation, a professional achievement for highly qualified commercial real estate practitioners with a strong transactional history in brokerage, and was selected by his coworkers to serve on the National Industrial Council Board and National Industrial Project Leasing Leadership Group. An active Thunderbird since 2005, he lives in Phoenix with his wife Genny and their three children. For more info, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.

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BEING K9 SAFE AND SMART WHEN HUNTER KEANE WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD, he was bitten on the nose by a family dog. Now fourteen years old, Hunter and his family understand it wasn’t the dog’s fault; it was theirs. Like many people, they thought the way to show affection to a dog was the same way as showing love to people — by hugging and kissing them. Even though the bite didn’t break the skin, that day taught Hunter and his parents several valuable lessons but one stuck out the most. Most dogs don’t like to be hugged, according to research by State Farm Insurance and members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition. While an overwhelming majority of interactions with dogs don’t result in injury, most dog bites to children could be prevented. In 2014, State Farm paid nearly $115 million as a result of 3,500 dogrelated injury claims. Over the past five years, the insurer has paid $528 million for claims resulting from accidents involving a dog. The insurer partnered with internationally renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell to focus on educating individuals about responsible dog ownership and safely interacting with dogs. State Farm announced its top 10 states for dog-related injury claims in 2014. Arizona ranked 18 in 2014 with 83 dog bite claims (amount paid $2.38 million). In 2013, Arizona ranked 12th with 105 dog bite claims (amount paid $2.8 million).

Children and Dogs

Children make up more than 50 percent of all dog-related injury victims. To better understand the level of knowledge about dog behavior among children, the National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition created a quiz focused on children age 5 -9. The quiz was distributed by State Farm and Prevent The Bite to schools and community organizations last month with the results indicating that the need for education about safely interacting with dogs is significant. • • • •

710 children answered the dog safety quiz No child answered all twelve questions correctly 34% of the children indicated they had been bitten by a dog at least once 50% of the children who took the Spanish translated quiz indicated they had been bitten • Only 33% of children correctly answered the question “does an angry dog ever wag his tail?” (the correct answer is YES) • Only 27% of children correctly answered the question “is a dog that is afraid as dangerous as a dog that is angry?” (the correct answer is YES) • Only 24% of children correctly answered the question “do dogs like to be hugged and kissed?” (the correct answer is NO)

GARAGE STORAGE TIPS FROM STORAGE WEST THE PROBLEM WITH USING YOUR GARAGE AS A STORAGE SPACE is that it’s very easy for things to get out of control. If all you do is pile things onto the floor, you can reach a point where there’s no room for your car. The solution is to fit your garage with tons of shelves so you can have plenty of storage, as well as a safe place for your vehicle. Here are some suggestions to try: • If all you need is a little extra shelf space for random items, try attaching small wire baskets to the walls instead of installing shelves. Baskets are perfect for things that you might not otherwise have space to store in the garage, including extra bottled water, small sports equipment like baseballs and mitts, or even pantry items like onions. The wire lets you easily see what you have stored, and you can attach them in just a few minutes. • If you already have shelves and there’s a lot of unused headspace between them, try saving some old peanut butter jars to use as storage containers. All you need to do is screw the lids to the bottoms of your shelves, and then use the jars themselves to store nails, screws, and other

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FIND YOUR GREATNESS SPARTAN NATION exists to emotionally balance, physically transform, and mentally elevate. “We are what no one else is right now: the whole package, the whole transformation. The place where you can become who you want to become and find your greatness,” says Dan Huber, owner and coach, who is also a grappling and MMA champion. Spartan Nation Combatives and Fitness offers a wide variety of classes and courses for the entire family. Speed drills, strength training, kickboxing, submission wrestling, kids striking and grappling, and even Tabata, are all available within an extensive schedule, enabling anyone to reach their health, fitness, and personal growth goals. A few examples of the classes offered to members every day are Coach Dan’s morning TOD (Training of the Day), a class which includes kick-your-butt circuit training, speed, and agility drills; and Coach Gabriela, a Certified Fitness Trainer, MMA Specialist and Nutritionist, teaches a Heavybag Kickboxing is an awesome cardio and full body strength workout that is a blast! A former Marine Sniper, Coach Luke uses his special skills to teach a Combatives class that will prepare you for multiple self-defense situations. This gym allows you to learn great skills and get a great workout at the same time. In addition to offering a weekly schedule of combatives and

fitness classes, Spartan Nation offers specialty courses. Home Defense, Nutrition, UFC Fighter Clinics, Women's Self-Defense, and Bully Proof SelfDefense Clinics all provide unique training opportunities for specific audiences. These specialty courses provide knowledge and training in a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. A great experience for specific training, A Kids Combat Camp also runs for four weeks during the summer. Come try the small group classes, positive atmosphere, and life-changing impact Spartan Nation has to offer. This little gym is making a big difference.

small items. When you need an item, all you need to do is remove the jar from the lid. Another option for small items is to install a magnetic strip beneath a shelf and use jars with metal lids. • If you don’t want to install traditional shelving, try attaching a pegboard to the wall and then attach cans to it to use as storage containers. You can easily use them to corral small objects like screwdrivers, pens, or paintbrushes – and you can even decorate the cans if having an attractive display is important to you. Pegboards are also useful for hanging tools. • Do you need someplace to store your rakes, hoes, and other garden tools? One neat trick is to nail two thin strips of wood to the wall. Attach them parallel to one another, with one about a foot above the other. Next, attach lengths of PVC pipe vertically between the two pieces of wood. The pipe is the perfect vehicle to hold your tools in place – simply slide the handles through the pipe and they’ll hang neatly, ready for you to use whenever you need them. • To make an interesting and rustic-looking place to hang tools and other items, try painting a simple wooden pallet and mounting it on

the wall. All you have to do is attach hooks and you can use it to as a quick and easy storage solution. • Are you doing a lot of home improvement? If so, you might need a way to corral extra pieces of pipe and trim. Instead of keeping them on the floor, try bolting two triangular pieces of lattice to the wall. The holes in the lattice make the perfect place to store pipe and other trim — simply slide them through one piece of lattice and into the other. • If you need more storage space than you have, try creating suspended shelves that hang from the ceiling. Using simple brackets and plywood, you can create storage space out of thin air. Ceiling shelves are best for storing rarely-used seasonal items like Christmas ornaments and decorations.

(480) 352-3205 • SpartanNationCombatives.com 4446 E University Dr, Suite 107, mesa

With a little bit of creativity and innovation, you can take your crowded garage and turn it into a neat and organized storage space.

Tips courtesy of Storage West (www.storagewest.com)

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Getting Your Body Ready for the Hiking Trail There’s no better time than autumn to hit the majestic hiking trails in the Valley. Hiking is a fantastic way to switch up your exercise routine. Being outdoors on an adventure, surrounded by nature’s beauty, can clear the mind and make stress melt away. No matter what level hiker you are or how challenging the hiking path you choose, you want to make sure your body is in peak condition to handle the challenges of an afternoon on the trails. Dr. Eric Eifler, a Valley orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist (www.azorthopedic.com), sees his fair share of broken wrists, ankle fractures, cartilage tears, shoulder dislocations and ligament tears that result from hiking tumbles. Dr. Eifler offers seven tips to enjoy your hike and keep injuries from derailing your trail ambitions. 1. Strengthen your balance. Good balance is crucial to navigating the unstable surfaces you encounter on a hiking trail, so in your exercise routine, find ways to challenge your balance and strengthen your quads. Your quads have a big job to do protecting your knees on a hike. And when they are strong, they help absorb the shock to your knees. For a simple quad-building exercise you can do at home, try wall sits with your back against a wall. Or practice yoga moves where you balance on one leg. 2. Hydrate for muscle strength. It’s vitally important to stay well-hydrated, so you don’t get thirsty or suffer heat illness. Did you know water also helps your muscles work more efficiently on a hike? Water and sports fluids also assist with muscle recovery after the hike. 3. Bring brain food. A brain deprived of nutrition has a harder time helping you make decisions that will keep you safe and wobble-free. The brain does not function well when your body is on empty, so bring healthy snacks such as nuts, energy gels or dried fruits to keep your blood sugar strong and your brain and body in peak form.

4. Stay grounded. Supportive trail runners or hiking boots build a strong foundation to help you avoid injury. You should never hit the trails without shoes that provide good traction. 5. Don’t skip stretching. It is well worth the time to send a signal to your body that your limbs, joints and muscles are going to be doing work … which you do when you stretch before exercise. By stretching, your muscles are lengthened and that will help you better respond to any surprises on the trail. 6. Don’t be deceived by the downhill. The uphill climb takes the most physical effort, but for injury prevention, it is the descent you should pay close attention to. The descent down a trail causes more stress on your knees, joints and body because gravity is pulling you down the hill faster than you want to go. 7. Listen to your body. Exercising different muscle groups that result in soreness indicates a great workout, but pay attention to pain that is very achy or sharp, or that lasts more than a day or two. If you stepped funny and feel a twinge in your foot, knee or shoulder, or you think you strained a muscle, don’t keep going. Ignoring an injury could make it worse. Throw in the towel, turn around, and try again after checking with a medical professional.

FUN WITH NO SNOW STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS VALLEY RESIDENTS CAN ENJOY THEIR OWN PIECE OF HAWAII’S ISLAND LIFESTYLE; with No Snow Stand Up Paddleboards. Services range from sales and rentals to lessons, yoga, and group event paddles. The owners, Heather and Court Fetter are very excited to bring paddleboarding here for people that can’t get away to the coast. “The beauty of Stand Up Paddle boarding is that it is a sport that can be done on any body of water, right here in Arizona — no Ocean required” says shop owner Court Fetter. "Being so close to the Salt River, Saguaro and Canyon SUMMER 2016

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Lakes, makes paddle boarding an excellent and easy outdoor activity for families.” All rental equipment is provided for you, so grab your family and friends, make a reservation, and head out to the water. Already hooked and looking to buy one of your own? The 2000sf showroom is home to a large selection of high quality boards from reputable manufacturers. Their expert staff will be happy to help you decide on the board that is right for you and your budget. Drop in and check out the SUP life, explore Arizona in a whole new way! 480-807-6787 • nosnowsup.com • 3654 N Power Rd Mesa AZ 85215


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gear guide

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Armour Charge

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Intricately woven from 100% stainless steel strands, Armour Charge is incredibly strong and flexible. It’s a cable fit for a king. The detailed aluminum housings and stainless steel cabling give Armour Charge the strength and durability to last. It even comes in an extra long 2-meter length. For iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus, 5s, 5c and 5. $34.95; www.fusechicken.com

Garmont Dragontail LT

The women's Garmont Dragontail LT approach shoes offer stability and support for carrying heavy loads, along with the grip of a climbing shoe for technical, mixed terrain adventures. Ideal for technical rock, mixed terrain approaches, scrambling and light hiking tours. The lace to toe closure ensures a confident fit within the shoe. Vibram's SuperTrek compound on the sole ensures great climbing grip. Water-repellent suede uppers with toe and heel rubber bumpers for added protection. $149; www.garmont.com

GAME Giant Derby Duck Pool Float Make your backyard pool more fun with the inflatable Derby Duck float. It measures roughly 4 feet x 5 feet, large enough to comfortably seat one adult or two kids, providing fun for the whole family. It has two handles on the side to climb on board and two handles on the duck's neck to hold if you hit rough waters. There are also cup holders on either side of the duck. $49.99 at Leslie’s Pool. www.game-group.com

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ZeroWater 23-Cup Dispenser

Enjoy great-tasting water with next generation filter technology. The ZeroWater filtration system combines five technologies that work together to remove virtually all dissolved solids from your tap water. ZeroWater filters are also the only pour-through filters on the market certified by the NSF to reduce lead. Includes electronic TDS water testing meter (and built-in holder) that allows you to see the level of TDS in your water and tells you when it’s time to change the filter. Easily fits in the refrigerator; flip-up lid for easy refilling. $39; www.zerowater.com

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Case Logic Laptop & Tablet Case

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The Case Logic DLC-117 case is modernized with a clean, refined look and designated space to carry all of your workday must-haves. This case has a dedicated compartment that holds a laptop (up to 17.3 inches) and a padded internal pocket that protects a 10.1-inch tablet or iPad. The convenient organization panels inside of the front pocket store external hard drives, pens and other essentials and power cords. $49.99; www.caselogic.com

KRUPS Egg Cooker

Eggs are the poster child for protein, and the KRUPS Egg Cooker makes them easier than ever to prepare. Boil up to 7 eggs at a time, and choose your setting from hard/soft boiled, poached or individual omelets. Simply pile the eggs into the slots and an audible signal will indicate when your eggs are done cooking. Two poaching trays included to prepare poached eggs or individual omelets Dual switch for boiling and keeping warm. $39.99; available at Macy’s. www.krups.com

▲ ▲ ▲ Giraffe Razor Extension Handle

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The Giraffe extends reach, so a woman can easily shave her legs with less effort. Designed to fit the most popular reusable and disposable razors, the Giraffe is perfect for women who are trying to shave in a small shower that limits them in maneuverability (like RVs, cruise ships and college dorms). It features a rubberized no-slip grip and a telescoping handle that snaps into place at various lengths for maximum reach. Adds an additional 15-20 inches to your razor handle. $29.99; www.giraffebathandbody.com

Game Golf Live

Game Golf Live lets you capture your stats in real-time, while you play, on your iOS or Android phone. Get seamless, real-time automatic game tracking through Bluetooth connectivity. Enjoy all of the features of Game Golf on the course or, leave your phone at the club house and sync immediately post-round. Take it to your regular Saturday game or use it in the next club tournament. Either way, you’ll be knocking strokes off that scorecard in no time. $299; www.gamegolf.com

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gear guide

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Craghoppers Pro Lite Half-Zip Fleece

The lightweight performance of the Pro Lite Half Zip Fleece is ideal when there’s only a slight chill. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for spring/summer wardrobe in Northern Arizona. A zipped chest pocket is great for storing loose change or a media device. This half-zip is a must-have for serious hikers. $50; www.craghoppers.com

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Stinger Mosquito Kill System

Monsoon season is almost upon us, which means annoying mosquitoes will be back. The Stinger Mosquito Kill System features five powerful mosquito elimination technologies: black UV light, LED lights, thermal & octenol lures and a clog-free kill grid. It kills 2X more biting mosquitoes and attracts and kills mosquitoes that may transmit the West Nile Virus. This system provides whole yard coverage, up to 1 acre. $79.99; www.stingerproducts.com

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VICKS Sweet Dreams Humidifier

This ingenious product combines a humidifier with childhood magic. The filter-free humidifier quietly releases cool mist into the air for comfort, while a built-in projector with three interchangeable themes (sea, safari and starry night) illuminates the bedroom ceiling and lulls kiddos to sleep. The humidifier runs on a 1 gallon tank for up to 24 hours and has an auto shut-off feature when empty.

Enjoy the beautiful outdoors in the Hi-Tec Florence Low Waterproof women's multisport shoe. It is constructed with a high quality suede and mesh upper for durability, breathability and comfort and is fully lined with Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable membrane to keep your feet dry. An EVA midsole absorbs impact reducing strain on the body and the rugged rubber outsole provides grip and multi-directional traction on any surface. $70; www.hi-tec.com

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Hi-Tec Florence Low WP Boots



gear guide

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Piki Piki Bike

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The new Piki Piki Bike allows toddlers to learn some of the most important fundamental skills, making the transition to a two-wheeled bicycle that much smoother. Lightweight and durable with no sharp edges, the Piki Piki Bike promotes confidence and improves motor coordination. It steers like a real bicycle and offers more independence than a balance bike. It looks like a motorcycle and comes in three fun colors: red, blue and pink. There is no assembly required and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. $69.95; www.gallospencetoys.com

RearViz Sports Mirror Ride your bike safely with RearViz Sports ST-35, the arm-mounted, adjustable rearview mirror. It rotates 360°and pivots 180°, giving the rider a clear rear view at any desired angle. It is weatherproof, waterresistant, and durable. RearViz comes in six colors with a one-size-fitsall armband. $34.95; www.RearViz.com ▲ ▲ ▲

Native Eyewear Sanitas

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Named for the popular hiking trail in Boulder, these fashionable and functional sunglasses feature a round lens, retro keyhole nose detail and lightweight durability. Tough enough to get you to the top of the mountain, and stylish enough to head straight to the juice bar when you’re done. Native Eyewear features N3 lenses, the most innovative and advanced polarized lenses on the market. N3 lenses block up to 4X more infrared light than regular polarized lenses, provide exceptional UV protection and deliver high contrast, crisp definition and peak visual acuity. $129; www.nativeeyewear.com

Sticky Sounds

Sticky Sounds allows you to bring your tunes with you wherever you go, from riding a bike through Flagstaff to surfing the waves in Maui. Sticky Sounds uses the same mounts as a GoPro, so you can conveniently stick this Bluetooth speaker to any sports gear. It is waterproof and durable. $68.95; www.stickysounds.com

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gear guide

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Runbell

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Be polite and courteous when passing pedestrians on trails and city sidewalks by using Runbell, a sleek, stylish wearable bell designed for runners. It’s made from brass to ensure durability and emit a powerful sound, yet it’s lightweight for comfort. Ringbell is available in copper and gold colors in men’s and women’s sizes; it can be adjusted with included silicon inserts. $25; www.run-bell.com

Ballers: The Complete First Season DVD Dwayne Johnson (aka “The Rock”) stars in this HBO comedy about a group of past and present football players trying to figure out where the game ends and life begins, all while keeping their cool and having each other’s backs. Set in sunsoaked Miami, the series revolves around retired football superstar/financial manager Spencer Strasmore (Johnson) and his inner circle of friends/clients — each a pro when it comes to playing the game, but not when it comes to life off the field. $29.98; www.hbo.com

The Big Lebagski by AZ Board Source

NERF Dude Perfect Shot Hoops

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Be like Steph Curry and drain threes from your living room sofa. Hang the hoop on a door frame and compete with friends in a game of one-onone or HORSE. With its flexible hanger, the hoop can be hung anywhere, inside or outside. The instructions include game starters and trick shot ideas. $19.99; www.hasbro.com

This limited production board pays homage to everyone’s favorite Dude from the iconic movie “The Big Lebowski.” It features hand-painted art and designs with a premium, long-lasting finish. It measures regulation size (48” x 24”). Folding legs with back platform stands 12 inches off the ground. Made entirely of 3/4-inch cabinet grade birch wood with mitered edges and no exposed hardware. $250; www.azboardsource.com

Bruise, Strain Tear Repair

Get back in action fast with BST Repair, an herbal gel that enhances the healing of soft-tissue damage. It naturally sustains the healing process until the repair has been completed. It’s the perfect addition to any tissue mending mission. Don’t Freeze your ankle, heal it. Reduces visible bruising after impact and speeds recovery after surgery. The gel is not smelly or greasy. Works great on sprained ankles, knees and wrists, tennis elbow, carpel-tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, muscle bruises and more. $19.99; www.mynaturesrite.com SUMMER 2016

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gear guide

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Oxygen Plus

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Zap exhaustion with a single breath using Oxygen Plus’s energizing and revitalizing O+ Mini portable oxygen in peppermint, pink grapefruit or natural flavors. Each mini canister is packed with 24 breaths of restorative 95 percent pure oxygen that powers the body with enhanced cognitive function, decreased stress, increased mental clarity and alertness, muscle recovery and optimized athletic performance. Got oxygen? It’s essential. $23.97 (3-pack); www.oxygenplus.com

Sleepover Party

Break out the sleeping bags and leave the lights on. It’s a Sleepover Party and the kids are staying up late. Spin the spinner and attempt to complete one of over 200 themed challenges. Be a human mirror and copy everything another player does, take part in a funny sound competition, or try to lick your own elbow. Being silly and having fun is the name of the game, so be prepared to sing, laugh, perform and make a general fool of yourself. Good family fun. $19.99; www.endlessgames.com

P’kolino Little Reader Sofa Toddlers love this multi-use reading chair with side pockets to hold books, small toys and remote. An easy fold-out sleeper creates the perfect combination for a little quiet-time. This colorful sofa features a stylish and durable design with functionality and stain-resistant fabric. Designed for children ages 2 and up. $99; www.pkolino.com ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Bull Dog Original Shave Gel

Unless you’re a geography teacher or a communist revolutionary, you’ll have to shave sometime. The Original Shave Gel by U.K. skincare company Bull Dog goes on clear for precision shaving with a light, fresh masculine scent. It’s packed with eight essential oils, aloe vera, jojoba and konjac mannan for an incredibly smooth shave. Be loyal to your skin with 100% natural Bull Dog products. $9.99; www.bulldogskincare.com

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22 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

Icebug Anima 4 RB9X The Anima is a fast and light trail running shoe that is suitable for speed running and fitness training outdoors. The fourth edition has been given a new fresh and modern look, with a colored airy upper mesh. Toe guard and heel cup reinforcement is smaller than on previous versions for a smoother fit, and ankle collar and tongue padding are slightly thinner for snug fit and a more direct running feel. The padding foam has closed cells that make it absorb barely any water, so the shoes will stay light even on rainy days. The midsole provides the right level of cushioning, while the narrow heel and low profile ensure control. $159.95; www.icebug.com



POWERED BY BLACK+DECKER

▲ ▲ ▲

tool shed

Black & Decker 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer $99; www.blackanddecker.com This two-speed convertible trimmer/edger allows the user to easily and reliably feed trimmer line with the simple push of the Easy Feed button, putting control back into the user’s hands without the hassle of bumping. It delivers the torque you need to power through tough overgrowth plus the no-bump convenience of Easy Feed string advance. Easily converts from trimmer to wheeled edger. Premium micro texture grip for maximum user comfort during use. Adjustable height and handle with premium soft grip helps to improves comfort and control. Batteries included.

▲ ▲ ▲

Black & Decker 20V MAX POWERBOOST Sweeper $89; www.blackanddecker.com This sweeper with POWERBOOST gives you a surge in blowing speed of up to 130 MPH with the push of a button. Users can loosen stubborn debris or operate the Sweeper in non-boost mode for additional runtime during less rigorous tasks and for more precise control in moving debris. Easily clear debris from hard surfaces such as driveways, decks and garages. Up to 25 minutes of run time allows you to complete a variety of tasks. Lightweight design of just 3.7 lbs. Premium microtexture soft grip provides comfort and control. Low noise design allows for quiet operation.

▲ ▲ ▲ Black & Decker 20V MAX POWERCUT Hedge Trimmer

$99; www.blackanddecker.com This agile powerful cordless trimmer puts added cutting control in the user’s hands with the POWERCUT feature, which allows the user to power through jams with the push of a button. It is ideal for tough hedges and shrubs, trimming up to 3,000 sq. ft. in one charge, plus 22-inch, dual-action blade ensures less vibration while trimming. Quickly cuts branches up to 3/4-in. diameter. Ergonomic grips and low vibration help you go the distance in comfort.

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THE $200 MIL MAN


LION

The Arizona Diamondbacks are hoping pitcher Zack Greinke can become the next Randy Johnson for a club starving for an ace … and another World Series appearance By Charles Hudson Photos courtesy of Arizona Diamondbacks/Sarah Sachs

LAST DECEMBER, THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS SHOCKED THE BASEBALL WORLD when they signed pitcher Zack Greinke — a three-time MLB all-star and 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner — to a staggering six-year, $206.5 million contract. The Diamondbacks — who finished the 2015 season only four games shy of .500 (79-83), despite scoring the second-most runs in the National League — immediately plugged in Greinke as the team’s opening day starter. Fans rejoiced at the arrival of a true “ace” to anchor the pitching staff, while a fair amount of pressure was placed on Greinke to be the team’s “savior.” Greinke cashed in on a sensational 2015 campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a season that saw him finish second in National League Cy Young award voting. He posted career-bests last season in ERA (1.66), wins (19) and winning percentage (0.864), and he finished seventh in NL MVP voting. Greinke did not allow a run in 11 of his 32 starts and went at least six innings in each. In the summer he had a streak of 45 2/3 scoreless innings. His ERA was the lowest in the majors in 20 years. Seeking to capitalize on his career-best performance, Greinke opted out of a


AZSAL

FAST FACTS

• Zack Greinke’s 2016 salary is $31,799,030. The next highest on the team is Yasmany Tomas at $7.5 million. • Greinke was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder in 2006. But after being prescribed Zoloft, a medication Greinke still takes to this day, his symptoms went away. • Greinke is a straight-faced ace on the mound for the Diamondbacks. He doesn’t often display emotion or show that he actually enjoys making millions for playing baseball, but he has his moments. “He can be a funny guy,” said outfielder A.J. Pollock. • As a senior at Apopka High School in Florida, Greinke won Gatorade National Player of the Year and earned the No. 6 overall pick in the 2002 MLB draft. • Greinke met his wife Emily in high school.

28 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

SUMMER 2016

six-year, $147 million contract after his third season with the Dodgers. Everyone in baseball knew it was going to take a massive deal to land the talented righthander. The Dodgers still hoped to retain Greinke, and their offer (rumored to be roughly $150 million for five years) had them neck and neck with the San Francisco Giants, who have used dominant pitching to win three World Series titles since 2010. But the Diamondbacks made an 11th hour offer that was too good to refuse and Greinke signed with a club that hasn’t won a playoff series since 2007, shunning both the three-time defending division champion Dodgers and the Giants. It was a signing that likely altered the landscape of the National League West for years to come. Many baseball pundits were surprised the Dodgers didn’t try to match the Dbacks mega-offer, but Greinke understood the economics of their decision. “People say they have unlimited resources,” Greinke said. “There’s still a limit. You have to do what is smart for the team.” Greinke’s age (32) didn’t give the Diamondbacks front office concern before signing their ace. Diamondbacks General Manager Dave Stewart thinks Greinke is the type of pitcher who can perform at a top level into his upper 30s. “He’s got great mechanics,” Stewart said after the signing. “He doesn’t exert a lot of energy doing his job and he’s an athlete. He works hard, keeps himself in great condition, and when those things are happening, and when an athlete takes advantage of those things, it makes it a whole lot easier in the latter part of your career.” After seeing the size of the contract, fans were expecting more Cy Young award caliber seasons … and hopefully more postseason appearances. Greinke, however, tried to downplay the excessive lofty expectations: “I don’t think you can build on it (last year’s numbers),” Greinke said during spring training in March. “It’s about as good as it’s going to be for me. I’m probably not that good. Last year, what I did for the most part, and what I hope to do this year, is think about one pitch at a time, make it as good as I can. If I make a bad pitch, then think about the next pitch and make that pitch as good as I can, and do it like that for a full season, and hopefully the results take care of themselves.” Fans must have been in panic mode after Greinke was pitching like anything but an ace. He finished April with a 5.50 ERA and 1.46 WHIP, not only poor number by today’s stardards, but putrid when you consider the $200+ million contract. Greinke rebounded somewhat with a solid May, posting a 3.82 ERA, 3.54 FIP and 1.12 WHIP in 33 innings. His strikeout rate increased, his walk rate decreased and his slash line against dipped to .246/.285/.398 from .298/.335/.523 in the previous month. “I thought I’d been pitching pretty good after the first game of the year,” Greinke said after pitching a three-hit shutout against the Rays. “There was a couple times where I was making some mistakes throughout the game, but it seemed to be a lot of times when guys were on base. The last probably four or five starts when I’ve got in trouble, I’m still making good pitches.” Philadelphia manager Pete Mackanin didn’t think much of Greinke’s poor start after his club faced him in June. “Greinke was vintage Greinke,” Mackanin said after the right-hander led the Diamondbacks to a 4-1 win over the Phillies in June. “He really threw well. He threw all his pitches for strikes and changed speeds. His changeup is devastating and he throws all his secondary pitches for strikes at any time in the count.”



Two things jumped out about Greinke’s rebound after a hideous April: 1. He was getting ahead of hitters more frequently and 2. He increased the usage of his slider. Greinke’s first pitch strike percentage has drastically climbed from 59.7 percent to 67.8 percent. Just how important is that? Consider that hitters are batting .233 when Greinke gets ahead 0-1 in the count as opposed to hitting .282 when he falls behind 1-0. When the count is in his favor, it allows him to throw his off-speed pitches more often, which is crucial for a guy who relies heavily on the slider. Speaking of his slider, Greinke has been using that pitch 6.2 percent more frequently since his rough start and that’s bad news for opposing hitters, who are batting only .121 against his slider while whiffing 23.5 percent of the time. By getting ahead in the count (by throwing more first-pitch strikes), he is maximizing his ability to get hitters to chase out of the strike zone. Based on his track record, it was inevitable that we’d look back at Greinke’s early-season struggles as simply a mirage. “Everything is smoother, everything’s a little bit better,” Greinke said about the rebound in his performance. “It’s not really a mechanical adjustment. Sometimes your body just starts doing things it’s supposed to do instead of doing things wrong.” Greinke was in a groove by late-June, winning seven of his last eight starts with a 2.18 ERA. But on July 3, he was placed on the disabled list for the first time in three years after the ace right-hander was diagnosed with a left oblique strain, which apparently occurred when Greinke hit a sacrifice fly. With all the testing they did and him not feeling any better, he agreed that the best course of action is to go on the DL,” Arizona manager Chip Hale said. “Hopefully, he’ll be ready for us after the break. I don’t know if it’s realistic or not. That’s what we’re hoping right now.” Greinke said the injury has improved. Greinke is set to return from the disabled list to start the D'Backs' series opener in the Big Apple against the amazing Mets on August 9th. He had won his last seven decisions before the injury. ▲

Based on his track record, it was inevitable that we’d look back at Greinke’s early-season struggles as simply a mirage.

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FP ad page_Health&Body BEAUTY 1/21/16 7:07 AM Page 2


the

Perfect

Vacation


All I need is the natural beauty of Lake Powell, my paddleboard and my friends By Dara Fowler PHOTOS BY TREVOR SIMINGTON

IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, vacation means a chance for true life action and adventure. It is about time spent in the great outdoors, on the water, under the stars and laughing with close friends. One of the most beautiful places, and right in our own backyard, Lake Powell fits the bill and is the perfect destination. Only a five-hour drive from Phoenix, Antelope Canyon Marina in Page is the starting point. At the marina, several boat rental options are available including houseboats of all sizes, but we chose a 26’ deck boat. We had a small group and were planning to camp each night. For those not so apt at roughing it, a houseboat may be a better option, but with slower speeds the


HOLE-IN-THE-ROCK CROSSING, a ‘short cut’ created in 1879 by a Mormon expedition, is a difficult half mile climb up a rocky passage. The extraordinary view of the lake from above is worth the effort, as well as gaining an appreciation of the obstacles faced by those so long ago.

... we had


large boats limit the extent of your travels and the anchoring options. Stretching 186 miles, and with over 2,000 miles of shoreline, this amazing lake has almost endless possibilities for exploration and unrestricted campsites. Our adventure began on a Wednesday evening as we headed out from the marina, determined to cover as much distance as possible before sunset. This was our group’s 4th annual trip to Lake Powell, yet we had many new canyons to discover. Over the next five days we journeyed over 100 miles of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is home to Lake Powell and more than 90 side canyons. We visited a few of the popular sites, such as the Defiance House Ruins and Hole-in-the-Rock Crossing, as well as the not-so-easy-to-get-to

many new canyons to

discover


AZSAL

FAST FACTS

• Behind only Lake Mead in Nevada, Lake Powell is the second largest man-made reservoir in the world. Currently, however, Lake Powell holds more water, is deeper, and has more surface area. • Lake Powell was named after John Wesley Powell, who after losing his arm at the Battle of Shiloh during the Civil War, explored the American West. • Lake Powell was created by the flooding of Glen Canyon by the Glen Canyon Dam, which also led to the creation of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area • About 50 water miles from the nearest marina is Rainbow Bridge National Monument, which is Lake Powell’s most famous site and the largest natural bridge on earth. • Glen Canyon was carved by differential erosion from the Colorado River over an estimated 5 million years. • Access to the lake is limited to developed marinas because most of the lake is surrounded by steep sandstone walls



the

peacefulness


of gliding across the water ... Forgotten Canyon, and the breathtaking Clear Creek Canyon. Several additional canyons, caves and trails were explored. Each day was filled with paddleboarding and hiking into the canyons, sometimes swimming and wading thru shallow waters as well. For our crew, SUPn’ (StandUp Paddleboarding) was the ideal way to travel these waterways, as many of them become too narrow or shallow for boats. Other than kayaks, it is often the only way to fully experience the canyons. The quiet peacefulness of gliding across the water through the magnificent stone structures is truly breathtaking. We paddle until the water ends, and then simply beach the boards and hike. It is often after some distance of ever-changing terrain that we are


rewarded with the wondrous slot canyons. These narrow canyons, formed by the wear of water rushing through rock, can measure less than 3 feet across but be more than 100 feet tall. They have beautiful, smooth walls that glow in the sunlight. After full days of paddling, hiking, swimming and climbing nothing compared to time by a campfire, telling stories and laughing with friends. There is no shortage of perfect camping spots on Lake Powell. We just look for a soft area to beach and secure our boat, and a

â–˛

SLOT CANYONS, like this one in Smiths Fork Canyon, are formed by the wear of water rushing through rock, and can measure less than 3 feet across but be more than 100 feet tall.

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THE DEFIANCE HOUSE RUINS, loacted in Forgotten Canyon, is a very well preserved Ancestral Puebloan dwelling. The Anasazi ruin was occupied from about 1250 to 1285 AD. To visit the site it was an easy quarter mile hike from the waters end.



...we enjoyed quiet evenings of

few flat rocks to set up tents or cots. Then we enjoy quiet evenings of spectacular sunsets followed by endless stars. A few bruises and tired muscles, a sleeping bag, the stars and sound of water, and good friends … that’s my perfect vacation.

For paddleboard rentals, kayaks or private tours: Lake Powell Paddleboards (928) 645-4017 lakepowellpaddleboards.com For boat rentals: Antelope Point Marina (800) 255-5561 lakepowellhouseboating.com For photography and prints: Trevor Simington Photography trevorsimington.com


spectacular sunsets


Youth

MOVEMENT PGA Junior League Golf Championship comes to Grayhawk Golf Club, in an attempt to make the game more accessible to a younger generation


By Jonathan Crist

GOLF IS AN INDIVIDUAL SPORT

Junior golfers (left to right) Bailee Tayles, Hailey Cawthon and Kalysta Kuebler ham it up on the practice green at Grayhawk Golf Club.

that requires individual effort for an individual result. It’s been that way since the game was conceived. But the PGA of America has sought to turn a tired adage on its head as a way to help grow the game and pique the interest of a generation bent on grabbing as much screen time as possible. It’s called PGA Junior League Golf, and its team-oriented atmosphere is changing the game for the better. PGA Junior League Golf is a fun, social and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls ages 13 and under to learn and enjoy the game of golf. Kids play on teams with friends, wear numbered jerseys and learn golf with professional instruction and direction from PGA and LPGA teaching professionals. Think of it as golf meets Little League Baseball — without meddling parents in the stands yelling at their children to keep their elbow up and their eye on the ball. Don’t get me wrong, the individualistic nature of golf has a lot to teach the wiredin youth of today. It preaches patience, develops discipline and emphasizes ethics. And while these lessons can help young men and women grow into fine, upstanding adults, individual competition doesn’t necessarily translate into the collaborative environment youngsters will encounter as they enter the workforce. In order to grow, golf has to match the team-building skills littered throughout the athletic landscape and featured in traditional team sports like football and soccer. PGA Junior League Golf has done just that by alleviating some of the pressure of playing individually, while at the same time, boosting the social appeal of league play. Due to the program’s teambuilding scramble format, boys and girls of similar ability actually play and compete together in any match pairing.


• PGA Junior League Golf is one of the game’s fastest growing programs, with teams in all 41 PGA sections and 48 states. • Superstars Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson serve as Official PGA Junior League Ambassadors. • Team California won the PGA Junior League Golf Championship last year in a playoff over Team Georgia. • Grayhawk Golf Club has hosted many premier events including the PGA TOUR’s Frys.com Open, the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf and the Thunderbird International Junior. • According to the National Golf Foundation, there were more than 3.2 million junior golfers in the United States in 2014, up from 3 million in 2013. • Currently, there are 14 participating courses in Arizona from Desert Hills Golf Course in Yuma to Pine Canyon in Flagstaff.

Think of it as golf meets Little League Baseball — without meddling parents in the stands yelling at their children...

The 2016 PGA Junior League Golf Championships will be held at picturesque Grayhawk Golf Club’s Raptor course in Scottsdale, November 19-21. The tournament is the final stop in the PGA’s Junior League, which brings together 80 all-star junior golfers ages 8-13 from across the U.S. to play for the championship. The tournament kicks off with eight teams of 10 junior golfers competing in a match-play-style event. To make the finals at Grayhawk, teams will first need to advance through the Regional Championships to be held September through October. The teams that emerge — organized in matching East vs. West regions — will compete in a two-person scramble format in the championship. In its third year, the program is gaining steam in terms of participation, with a 233-percent increase in participants since 2013 when it was first introduced. Grayhawk is no stranger to the big stage. It has been the site of the PGA TOUR’s Frys.com Open, Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf, Williams World Challenge (which benefited the Tiger Woods Foundation) and the Thunderbird International Junior, which brings the world’s best junior golf talent to north Scottsdale each year. The Tom Fazio-designed Raptor course at Grayhawk offers a thrilling challenge that commands a player’s respect through a game of risk and reward. The par-72 course unfolds over the gentle hills and across shaded natural washes typical of this corner of the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Last fall, Fazio collaborated with Dennis Wise on a redesign and relocation of Hole Nos. 15, 16 and 17. “We’re honored to host the 2016 PGA Junior League Golf Championship,” said Grayhawk Golf Club Director of Golf Joe Shershenovich, PGA. “Growing the game of golf is a goal that we all share, and this program accomplishes that objective under the enthusiastic guidance of PGA Professionals with a wealth of knowledge and experience to pass on to the next generation of golfers. Grayhawk has a long history of hosting competitive tournaments at the highest level of play. When they compete here in November, we look forward to providing each team with the same prestigious experience that the world’s best receive.” Last year, more than 30,000 boys and girls participated on 2,500 teams nationwide, proving the PGA of America’s introduction into the team-first concept is here to stay. Their commitment to reaching today’s youth is not only impressive, but necessary — especially when injuries from contact sports like football are dangerous and prevalent. The game of golf has always been unique in that a player only has to look in the mirror to find out where the praise or criticism lies. It’s a tried and true system that has remained untouched for the better part of two centuries. But PGA Junior League Golf offers a fresh new outlook that just might unglue a few kids from their screens, and help them make a few friends along the way. ▲

AZSAL Fast Facts

To learn more, visit www.pgajlg.com or call 480-502-1800

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46 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE


Tournament Operations Manager Tracy Hail helps Kalysta Kuebler line up a putt in preparation for the 2016 PGA Junior League Golf Championship hosted by Grayhawk Golf Club.

â–²

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 47


FP ad page_Health&Body BEAUTY 1/19/16 12:43 PM Page 2


FP ad page_Health&Body BEAUTY 1/12/16 4:23 PM Page 2


wheels By Craven Night

Spicing up the Sports Sedan Class Hyundai’s 2016 Sonata Sport 2.0T is at the top of its game

▲ ▲ ▲

The Sport 2.0T was designed and built with the same ethos as its siblings, but what sets the Sport apart are the suspension and chassis upgrades which help to reduce weight and add durability.

2016 IS A GOOD YEAR to be a Sonata. In the last six months, I’ve had the opportunity to test out the Limited and Eco models of Hyundai’s prize sedan. Each iteration lives up to the luxurious and technologically savvy standards consumers have come to expect from the Sonata. The turbo-boosted Sport 2.0T version brings comfort and style along with precise aggressive drivability. The Sport 2.0T was designed and built with the same ethos as its siblings, but what sets the Sport apart are the suspension and chassis upgrades which help to reduce weight and add durability. Despite the added strength the ride is smooth and

quiet thanks to sound dampening and the overall rigidity of the chassis. Enhanced braking gives drivers’ confidence during high-speed maneuvers. Mixed into the drivability cocktail are 18-inch allow wheels and larger front brakes. Modified suspension and steering create balance in the much sportier ride. Steering response is unquestionably quicker than in the other two Sonata models. The Sport’s weight and class can be misleading — most would assume body roll and drag make the Sonata a bit of moose in the turns. A larger rear stabilizer bar mitigates body roll and gives drivers the security they want in the curves. Along with added strength comes added power in the Sport 2.0T. A state of the art Twin-scroll turbo provides the muscle behind the 2.0liter engine. That’s right, four cylinders put out 245 horsepower that the driver can feel. The unique design of the twin-scroll makes it lighter with less drag compared to the typical turbo design. It is cast as a single stainlesssteel piece and engineered to recover more energy on the exhaust pick-up thus maximizing combustion efficiency and still giving power at low-engine-speed. With the so much oomph coming out of the turboed engine a weak drive would have been a pity. However, there is no tragedy in the story of the Sonata Sport.



wheels continued

Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder Horsepower: 245 hp MPG: 23 city / 32 highway MSRP: From $28,925

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VITAL STATS

Hyundai has put the element of choice to their drivers. There are three modes to chose from; Eco, Normal, and Sport. Whatever the driver’s preference each mode adjusts both engine mapping and steering effort. Quad exhaust is not only pragmatic, but also presents some style and voice to the car. Paddle shifters allow for a little more driver say while a D-cut leatherwrapped steering wheel simply looks and feels good. It’s easy to take a Sonata for a week. The car has weight but isn’t cumbersome on the road. It looks great curbside, but is by no means gaudy. There are

plenty of creature comforts — such as climate controlled seats, solid sound, and state of the art navigation — but nothing too confusing. Hyundai knows their customers and the modern driver. So many automakers feel that more is better, but superfluous amenities are just that. The 2016 Sonata Sport maximizes on the minimal making for a car I could enjoy driving and not trying to figure out. The Sport was great as a get around town car, especially in Eco mode, but at the same rate was able to keep me ahead of the pack on the freeways around town, even in Normal mode. There was a noticeable adjustment in rigidity and responsiveness when I switched into Sport mode, but really it’s not necessary. There is still speed and litheness comes in every dive mode. Riding in the Sonata Sport is great — Hyundai made every spot in the car a good one, especially with the long sliding sunroof and large windows. At the end of the week I was sad to see the Sonata go, but am already looking forward to what Hyundai comes up with for 2017.


FP ad page_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/12/15 2:56 PM Page 2


wheels By I.R. Hunthausen

Size Doesn’t Dictate Heart The 2016 Mazda Miata MX-5’s small package packs quite a punch

▲ ▲ ▲

Mazda has created a sharp-looking, agile street machine meant to give drivers the cruise of a lifetime.

THE CALIFORNIA-PLATED BUMPER of a 1998 Crown Vic stood between me, the road and the open motorway, as I bobbed and weaved up South Mountain along Summit Road. After a quarter mile the Cali driver pulled off and the lane was mine. I dropped into third, the throaty pipes of the MX-5 sung, and I felt the rear wheels push as they dug into the weather-beaten street. I commanded every twist and glided smoothly through every turn. The Miata’s steering was responsive; the acceleration on point. At Dobbins Lookout I nestled in between a dusty pick-up with a family of four, eating pizza in the back, and a Chevy Malibu whose fresh coat of wax reflected the starry night sky wonderfully. I walked through the small oval-shaped parking lot

and made my way to the edge of the cliff. The yellow glow of Phoenix and her surrounding cities smoldered below me. I grinned as I looked at the grid of streets that crisscrossed in near perfect symmetry. I let out a heavy breath into the cool night air - one of the last cool nights in the Valley. It was perfect weather to drop the top and let the RPMs rise. The low ride and wide base of the Miata held the road with confidence. Every time I pushed, she responded in kind — 60, 70, 80 — into the tight turns of the back streets of South Mountain. Clutch, shift, clutch, shift. The exhilaration of this drive did not happen in an industrial vacuum. Mazda prides itself on the innovative design of the Miata MX-5, and always has. It was Japan’s roadster assassin, designed to take on the Italians and Brits in the late 1980s, and in the subsequent years the Germans and Americans. The latest incarnation of the legendary roadster was forged in the fast-paced crucible of racing. The ruthless nature of the track has produced an efficient and reliable performance racecar for the everyday consumer. Like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird zipping about the skies of the Sonoran desert, I darted in and out of lanes across the 101 Freeway. A black Beamer pulled up on my tail and we cruised around the bend in the south end of the freeway and



wheels Continued

EPA: 27 mpg city / 34 mpg hwy 0-60: 5.8 sec Horsepower: 155 Top Speed: 129 mph

A car that can turn an afternoon drive through a side road, into an automotive ballet, is something quite unique. While the biggest criticism is the size of the Miata, my only other complaint is the lack of cup holders. It might seem a bit nit-picky but until you are holding two hot coffees in your hands and realize someone forgot something, you just don’t understand how crucial those are. Option one — get over it, or option two — be inventive and take a camelback with you on the road. Mazda has created a sharp-looking, agile street machine meant to give drivers the cruise of a lifetime. Through the mountains and around the bends I had a blast — turning heads as stars and streetlights reflected off its supple lines. With Miata it’s never been about size or power, but image — one that remains untarnished in this humble driver’s eyes.

VITAL STATS

merged on to the 202 Freeway east. Rolling high into the first turn of the transition, I managed to pull slightly ahead, but in the straights, the coupe left me in its wake. I pulled off on Williams Field Road, ready to call it a night. It was late, close to the bewitching hour, the plazas outside of the San Tan Village abandoned until morning. The baritone buzz of an older Golf GTI winnowed across the empty street. The light was red — left meant home, straight meant one more shot at seeing what the Miata had in the straight away. “What the hell. Why not?” Within an eighth of a mile I knew the Golf had me. The horsepower-to-pound ratio is by no means meager, but the MX5 is not a drop-stick-and-go street racer. That is okay. Any teen with an evening job can rack up decent quarter mile times in their secondhand economy car.



good times

Fast and Furious Aerial Action Don’t look now, but racing drones are everywhere and DroneFest is the hottest event on the planet

▲ ▲ ▲

Friday Aug. 26, and Sat. Aug. 27. Noon to 10 p.m. on both days. The Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N. Scottsdale Road, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 Open track lap day: Friday Noon to 4 p.m. Time trials: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Finals: Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.

For the summer pool party crowd, DroneFest and Scottsdale Nights will host a two day EDM pool party with top DJ talent and other live entertainment on Saturday night. Prizes and top purse money will be awarded Saturday night. For more info, visit www.dronefestfpv.com. ▲

Admission: $20 for adults, $12 for students, military and first responders with ID. $10 for kids under 12. Kids under 6 are free. Admission to the two-day EDM pool party: An additional $20. Must be over 21. Includes transportation to after-hours party in Old Town.

THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY DRONEFEST is coming to the Scottsdale Plaza Resort on Friday, August 26. The two-day event will feature amateur and professional drone races including slalom, freestyle and indoor mini whoop style events. This fun drone extravaganza is designed to introduce guests to the growing world of drones, including a hands-on, learn to fly indoor pavilion, drone manufacturer and retailer booths, and plenty of safety-netted spectator viewing areas with food and beverage service. For those looking for a more enhanced and immersive experience, a unique VIP/Hospitality area complete with big screen monitors is available.

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58 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE



good eats By Kory Kilmer

Boulders on Broadway 530 W. Broadway Rd. Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 921-9431 bouldersonbroadway.com

▲ ▲ ▲ TOP: A perfectly cooked Boulders favorite, The Kaiser Pizza. BOTTOM: The California Carver Burger is topped with avocado and pico de gallo, among other tasty toppings, A must try for those that dare.

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Setting the Pace A ride to Boulders on Broadway is an adventure all in itself

NOT A LOT HAS CHANGED for Erick Geryol over the past few years. He still has a passion for mountain climbing or a long bike ride, as well as a passion for fresh pizza washed down with a hand-crafted pint of beer. And he still shows up to work at the same restaurant located on the northeast corner of Broadway and Roosevelt in Tempe, where he can swap stories of the former, while partaking in the later. About nine years ago there was one big change, however. After years of slaving away as a pizza cook when the restaurant was operated by a regional chain, Geryol, along with his wife, Rochelle, leapt at an opportunity take it over and make it his own. Boulders on Broadway Bar and Grill was born, and with it followed a new generation of team members who found a place that is much more than just a job. “Most of the staff ride bikes to work every day,” says manager Ben Helm. “We all love craft beer, bicycles and pizza, and that’s just how we all ended up working here and being a part of this.” That culture has also extended to guests, who have made Boulders a meeting ground for local adventure sport enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Most evenings it is easy to spot a handful of climbers, stiff and tired but happy to numb the pain with a couple of brews. And any given weekend often finds more bicycles parked in the

indoor parking lobby (complete with bike pumps and basic maintenance tools) than cars in the parking lot. This is where patrons “pregame” before heading out for a ride, often to either of Boulders’ sister restaurants: Spokes on Southern, which is also in Tempe, or the newest location in Mesa, Boulders on Southern. With more than 30 craft beers on tap, and another 70 in bottles, as well as a selection of wine and spirits, Boulders on Broadway certainly has something to satisfy anyone’s thirst. But unlike many of their counterparts, Boulders never loses focus on making sure a quality product comes out of the kitchen each and every time. “Lots of places have nothing more than just simple bar food, but we definitely take things well above that,” explains Helm. “It’s definitely southwestern-inspired and everything is made in-house.” With a freshly-breaded trio of deep fried zucchini, onion strings and cheese curds, accompanied with a mound of some of the biggest chicken wings in the Valley, a “Classic Bar Stuff” appetizer is a great start to any meal, if not a meal itself. Add a refreshing blend of wheat beer and grapefruit lemonade, or a pint of one of their many craft beers for the perfect accompaniment to chase it down. For those looking for something lighter, the Caribbean Salad might just be


ABOVE: Harvest Chicken Salad is sure to delight RIGHT: The Apple Turnover will top off your meal. It may be a sin, but who's counting! Enjoy!

lights the spicy while cooling the heat. Whether stopping in for happy hour in the afternoon, a round of late-night trivia, brunch on the weekend or anything in between, the team at Boulders on Broadway is ready to welcome you, and help you take a break from whatever adventure you are toying with next. ▲

the California Carver, complete with a Southwestern sauce, chopped oven-roasted turkey breast, a blend of pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses, and topped with pico, avocado and onion rings once it is pulled out of the oven, is among the most popular items on the menu. Both pair well with a Dale’s Pale Ale, whose classic hoppiness high-

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the route to go. A mound mixed with romaine lettuce and spinach, topped with pineapple, pico de gallo, crispy bacon, black beans and a grilled jerk-style chicken breast surrounded with fresh cheesy bread, is definitely filling without being heavy. The Tenderloin Tacos, stuffed with char grilled tenderloin, cream cheese, roasted peppers, and fresh pico on warm flour tortillas, also offer a unique alternative to standard dish. Though there are plenty of options to try at Boulders, the California Burger, topped with pepper jack cheese, Southwestern Aioli, fresh avocado, pico de gallo, crispy onion strings and mixed greens, is high on the list. Its pizza counterpart,

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Movies_SMR_Health&Body BEAUTY 8/12/16 2:50 PM Page 2

movies By Courtney Mims

Hot Flicks For A Cool Summer This summer’s excellent lineup of movies extends into August and September

BAD MOMS In Theaters: July 29, 2016 Amy Mitchell (Mila Kunis) puts her family first, second, and third. But her man-child husband, high-maintenance kids and idiot boss are taking a toll. She gives and gives, and gives and gives, and then gives a little more, but it’s never enough. When the alpha moms (Christina Applegate, Annie Mumolo and Jada Pinkett Smith) at her kids’ school push her too far, Amy finally snaps. Good Amy becomes Bad Amy really fast — and she doesn’t go alone. Teaming up with two other misfit moms (Kathryn Hahn,

SUICIDE SQUAD • AUGUST 5

PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS

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LIVING IN ARIZONA THIS TIME OF YEAR usually means BBQs, swimming pools and polka dot bikinis. Well, maybe you would rather see one of the latest movies, and I don’t mean on Netflix. The first half of summer was pretty exciting in terms of new movie releases, including blockbusters Independence Day: Resurgence, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, Now You See Me 2, and The Legend of Tarzan. Here is a list of box office release that you must see. Drum roll please … it’s summertime, time to sit back and unwind.

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Kristen Bell), Amy gets a jolt of freedom that shakes up her life and might even make her a better mom. So call a sitter, put on your comfy pants, and pour yourself a double Chardonnay, because these moms are about to get bad.

SUICIDE SQUAD In Theaters: August 5, 2016 Adapted from the DC Comics property. The Suicide Squad team was created by Robert Kanigher and Ross Andru, and first appeared in Brave and the Bold No. 25. The specific plot for the movie hasn’t been revealed yet, but we can expect the basic premise from the comic books to be the same. The Suicide Squad, officially designated Task Force X, is a secret team of supervillains who have been imprisoned by the United States government. The team undertakes high-risk missions for the government in exchange for amnesty. If they succeed in their mission, they live to fight another day, and get their sentences reduced. But if they fail, they can just be written off. Hence the nickname, “Suicide Squad.” In the source material, team members also have micro bombs implanted inside them, which can be detonated if they try to escape or cause trouble during the mission. Whether or not this will be featured in the film is not yet known.



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movies Continued

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PETE’S DRAGON • AUGUST 12

discovers the existence of Elliott; 10-yearold Oakes Fegley as Pete; Wes Bentley as Jack, a local mill owner; New Zealand native Karl Urban as Jack’s brother, Gavin; Oona Laurence as Natalie, the young girl who befriends Pete; and Robert Redford as Grace’s father.

BEN-HUR In Theaters: August 19, 2016 The epic story of Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston), a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title, separated from his family and the woman he loves

(Nazanin Boniadi), Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but finds redemption. Based on Lew Wallace’s 1880 epic novel “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.” The film returns to the heart of Lew Wallace’s epic novel focusing on the nature of faith. Behind the scenes, the creative team includes Director of Photography Oliver Wood (Bourne Identity), Production Costume Designer Varvava Avdyushko (Wanted), Visual Effects Supervisor and Academy Award winner Jim Rygiel (The Lord of Rings franchise) and Special Effects Supervisor Andy Williams (Fury).

In Theaters: August 12, 2016 The story of the special bond between an orphaned boy, Pete, and his best friend, Elliott, who just happens to be a dragon. For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales … until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. It’s a remake of the 1977 film of the same name, thought it will not be a musical. It’s supposed to be “a reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film.” The project will be live-action with CGI used for the dragon. Robert Redford will play a local who tells tall-tales involving dragons that no one believes. The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard as Grace, a park ranger who

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS

PETE’S DRAGON



self&body By Dr. Joseph Rucker

Avoid a Mid-Summer Meltdown The summer months are upon us, which means tripledigit temperatures and extra harsh conditions for our skin. Take care of your skin with these helpful tips

▲ ▲ ▲

In the Southwest, sun, dry heat and the lure of outdoor activities create the perfect storm for exacerbating skin conditions and premature aging.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE MELTING? Are you sitting in front of the fridge with the door wide open? Hogging the kiddie pool in the backyard? As the hot, oppressive, summer season progresses, it’s easy to let the heat get the best of us. In the Southwest, sun, dry heat and the lure of outdoor activities create the perfect storm for exacerbating skin conditions and premature aging. It is never too early or too late to give your skin the care that it needs and deserves. The harsh desert climate during summer makes our skin more vulnerable because of:

• moderate to high air pollution levels • excessive sunshine • low humidity • higher elevation, which produces a significantly higher level of ozone exposure All of these factors contribute to skin damage that we see as the early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, uneven skin tone and a dull skin color. To help avoid these damaging factors without sitting inside in front of your air conditioner for the rest of the summer, try a few of these tips to better manage the heat and the sun so you can get outside and enjoy your active lifestyle in Arizona. • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. We all know water is essential in the heat of summer. You should drink eight glasses a day, and even more in warmer weather. Seem like a lot? Try breaking it up to one glass every hour, or liven up your water by adding a lemon or lime which will also help cleanse your system of impurities, improve digestion and stimulate the liver. Don’t forget other great sources of water such as watermelon, berries and other water-rich fruit.

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self&body Continued

• Sunscreen to start your day. The best way to protect your skin against sun damage is to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen anytime you are exposed to UV rays. To prevent your sunscreen from sweating off during outdoor activities, first apply a light moisturizer. I recommend a natural anti-inflammatory moisturizer like Enza Essentials NutriGel. Also, remember SPF does not stand for the strength of the sunblock; it refers to the theoretical length

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of time you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned. I strongly suggest that you double up on the application in those areas that are more exposed, such as your cheeks and nose, and the back of your neck. A hat or visor and UV-protective clothing are also highly recommended. • Color your palate. What better time than summer to eat colorfully? Stop by your local farmers’ market for an array of fresh, local vegetables to add to your cooking. Look for foods with Vitamin C, such as bell peppers, fresh herbs, leafy greens, broccoli, sprouts and strawberries, or try applying it directly to your skin in a topical form, such as Enza Essentials Vitamin C Serum. Vitamin C is an excellent way to fight off free radicals and team up with your SPF to stand up to UV rays.

• Wine Night. Red wine is rich in antioxidants and loaded with other benefits. The flavonoids found in red wine can help your body fight against skin cancer. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the benefits of your favorite red wines. However, it is important to drink in moderation (1-2 glasses) and to follow up with plenty of water to stay hydrated. Try these tips and allow yourself to enjoy the longer days, warm weather and fun summer activities while you still can. Don’t let the heat stand in the way of you and your summer. Dr. Joseph Rucker is a board certified plastic surgeon who has developed a proprietary skin care line called Enza Essentials specifically formulated around lifestyle, age and location. For more info, visit www.enza.com.

• Tone, baby, tone. A travel-sized container of your favorite Enza Essentials toner might be your new best friend this summer. Misting your skin throughout the day will allow the toner to absorb excess oil and keep you looking fresh — even on the most sweltering days. Try Enza’s natural toner; it has less irritating effects.


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E G D E L W O PRYOR KN


Richard Pryor Jr. talks about the entertainment industry, living in the Big Apple, life lessons and, of course, his famous father By Rodric Bradford PHOTOS BY T-BOYE DOE


AZSAL

FAST FACTS

• Richard Pryor Jr., was born in 1961, the child of Pryor Senior and his first wife, Patricia Price. • Richard Pryor Jr., favorite vacation destination is Hawaii. He would go there with his father often. • Richard Pryor Senior is currently listed at Number 1 on Comedy Central's list of all-time greatest stand-up comedians. • Bill Cosby reportedly once said, "Richard Pryor Senior drew the line between comedy and tragedy as thin as one could possibly paint it." • Richard Pryor Juniors favorite historical figure is President and Michelle Obama. • Find out more about Richard Pryor Junior by visiting his website www.richardpryorjunior.com.

“I want to show the public how parallel our lives are. We partied together and had many of the same ups and downs. I am just now comfortable being in my own skin as Richard Pryor’s son, not as a second version of Richard Pryor.”

RICHARD PRYOR. EVERYONE KNOWS THE NAME. He is considered one of the most famous and influential comedians of all time, and many would argue he is the greatest stand-up comedian of all time. Recently, AZSAL chatted with Richard Pryor Jr., the oldest child of the legendary comic for a frank discussion on life, his talents, living in New York City and his father as he launches his new RichardPryorJunior.com website this spring. AZSAL: Obviously you are constantly compared to your father. How are you two different in the entertainment industry? Richard Pryor Jr: We are different in a lot of ways. He was a comedian, and I have worked as a comedian, singer, bartender and other areas in the entertainment and nightlife industries. In fact, I am continuing my one-man show that features both comedy and cabaret singing that was nominated for an industry award last year. I also love singing jazz and the blues, and I am teaming up with popular New York City performer Velocity Chyaldd to record the legendary jazz song “Summertime” later this spring. AZSAL: How do you like living in New York City? RPJ: I don’t like it, I love it because the heartbeat and energy of New York City. I came here in 2006 after my dad died with $300 in my pocket and never went back. It was an accident because I was in the city for an award ceremony for my father, and I received the wrong flight information. It was cheaper to rebook me for a round trip flight and I have been here ever since. AZSAL: Why do you enjoy New York City living so much? RPJ: Because moving to New York City was really a rebirth for me. New Yorkers let you know immediately if they love you or hate you. When they were receptive to my performances and singing, it really gave me a lot of confidence. Once I came here, I had to learn the difference between show business and real business and it has helped me a lot. AZSAL: You are writing a book about you and your father. What is your inspiration and motivation for writing it? RPJ: I want to show the public how parallel our lives are. We partied together and had many of the same ups and downs. I am just now comfortable being in my own skin as Richard Pryor’s son, not as a second version of Richard Pryor. I want to show people how you can come through difficult circumstances and situations and make something positive out of it at the end. As a member of the LGBT community I feel it is necessary to be a role model and open a dialogue so people are not afraid of who they are. AZSAL: What do you think of the biopic movie on your father’s life that is due to be released later this year? RPJ: It may be a huge success but it won’t be accurate. It will probably be more about his ex-wife as the victim and the hero. The movie is written as if we did not even exist in his life. AZSAL: You are big on life lessons and making the most out of any situation, no matter how negative it may first appear. How did you get this way? RPJ: I have gotten to where I am in life because of struggles, pain, sorrow, determination and not giving into fear. That is the bulk of it. If you can get

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“The way you carry yourself is important, people perceive you the way you handle yourself.”

through all of that and look at the positive side you will get further in life and be more comfortable in your own skin. The way you carry yourself is important, people perceive you the way you handle yourself. AZSAL: Why did you decide to return to the comedy stage after being gone for nearly three decades? RPJ: Because originally I let other comedians dictate and judge my performances and not the audience. 20 years ago I had a woe-is-me attitude about life and by the early 1980s I swore I would never do standup comedy again. My attitude has definitely changed.

AZSAL: Any parting advice to our readers? RPJ: Yes, visit New York City at least once in your life! There is always some place to go and something to do. The diversity is amazing, you can have a Ethiopian neighborhood right next to a French neighborhood, and so on. But you definitely need to bring your street smarts! Special thanks to Rodney Hood.

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AZSALwasthere

▲ ▲ ▲ CLOCKWISE: Lead singer Brian Kelley of country music duo Florida Georgia Line has a tender moment with fans during Country Thunder 2016 in Florence. PHOTO BY DAVID CARRINGTON AZSAL Art Director Dara Fowler experiences her perfect moment while watching the sunrise under the Mesa Arch at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. PHOTO BY TREVOR SIMINGTON Comedian Bobby Lee had the crowd in stitches at his recent show at Stand-Up Live in Phoenix. PHOTO BY MICHAEL FADYK NoSnow Paddleboard Shop owner Heather Fetter (left) and fellow SUP junky Candace Hardy (right) join several members of their Paddleboarding in Arizona meetup group to pick up trash along the Salt River on the 4th of July. This event is one of many clean-up days hosted by NoSnow throughout the year. They are passionate about keeping the waterways beautiful for all to enjoy, and having SUPs provide easy access to the shoreline that groups on foot can’t otherwise reach. PHOTO BY DARA FOWLER Two of the heroes from the Arizona Diamondbacks 2001 World Series winning team — Erubiel Durazo (left) and Luis Gonzalez — share a laugh during the team’s 15th anniversary celebration at Chase Field on April 28. Durazo hit a 2-out, 2-run homer in game 5 of the NLCS off Tom Glavine that helped advance the DBacks to the Fall Classic. Gonzo’s walk-off single in Game 7 defeated the New York Yankees and carried the Diamondbacks to their first and only World Series crown. Still smiling after 15 years … PHOTO BY MICHAEL FADYK

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